Tripawds Three Legged Dog & Cat Forum Archives
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I know everyone says that it's normal for the opposite leg to turn in, compensate. But, it just seems like his is really bad. I'm trying to post a pic here of what I mean. I was looking at a brace but they said because he is already so deformed on that left leg the brace would not help. I hope i post these right 🙁
6:22 pm
12 February 2010
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well, all we can say, is we don't know.... when gayle lost her right front leg, her left leg gravitated to the center of the 'front range'... so, she became a equalateral type of triangle... she hasn't developed a bend in her wrist, it's more of a modification from her shoulder on down... that being said, maybe carter will find his 'forever' stance and the wrist will strengthen... sorry we can't give you a better answer.... gayle does get acupuncture to help her with her shoulder/spine twist, if that's available where you are, you might want to consider getting some 'needles'.. let us know how this progresses.
charon & gayle
Life is good, so very, very good!!! Gayle enjoyed each and every moment of each and every wonderful day (naps included). She left this world December 12, 2011 – off on a new adventure.
Love Never Ends
I am going to take him to a vet, locally, that also has PT for dogs. I don't think i'm going to wait much longer for that other vet, although kind hearted to do it for nothing, to get around to it. I'll see if I can't get carter in this week.
Thank you
Kelly
6:49 pm
29 October 2010
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Gosh, I know you posted about the leg "turning in" before and I said it sounded normal... But that is really *turned*. In fact, if you hadn't labeled the legs in the pic, I would have thought the left leg was the one being amp'd. Like Charon said, Abby's whole leg turned in, kinda from the shoulder on down.
I think having another vet look at him that also does PT is a good idea. Hopefully that leg will be strong and able to support him.
Sending good wishes. Keep us posted!
Jackie
Abby: Aug 1, 2009 – Jan 10, 2012. Our beautiful rescue pup lived LARGE with osteosarcoma for 15 months – half her way-too-short life. I think our "halflistic" approach (mixing traditional meds + supplements) helped her thrive. (PM me for details. I'm happy to help.) She had lung mets for over a year. They took her from us in the end, but they cannot take her spirit! She will live forever in our hearts. She loved the beach and giving kisses and going to In-N-Out for a Flying Dutchman. Tripawds blog, and a more detailed blog here. Please also check out my novel, What the Dog Ate. Now also in paperback! Purchase it at Amazon via Tripawds and help support Tripawds!
6:59 pm
I agree with Jackie, I would have thought the left leg was the one being amputated. My boy was a rear amputee so I don't know for sure but the positioning of the remaining front leg does seem a bit odd. I hope you get good news from the vet and that the PT helps. Sending positive and healing thoughts your way.
7:15 pm
11 November 2008
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Wow, Kelly, that is a tough one. Like Gayle, Nova's leg has moved to more of a "tripod" position in the center, but it remains straight and does not bend at the wrist. Have you thought about taking her to MSU for a consult? I had my other dog Emmy there for a PT consult a month or 2 ago and it was very helpful. They got us right in. Email me if you want more details. Has the vet who was going to do the amp ever seen or assessed this? Or is it something that happened recently? Sorry if you have already addressed that earlier, I have not been on here lately and am just now seeing your post.
Thinking pawsitive thoughts for sweet Carter!
Sue
Dane Mom Sue at nova.tripawds.com and Mom to Beautiful Great Dane Queen Nova, a Blind Tripawd, who kicked cancer's butt from 11/08-03/13. The Queen is Spirit Nova now, but her legacy lives on here at Tripawds!
This has just happened over the last few weeks. The vet that offered to do the vetting has not seen it like this. I will email you for the information about MSU. It does not seem to bother him at all but I know arthritis will set in sooner or later. Maybe all I can hope for is a year or two of decent life for this boy, full of love and attention.
Kelly
8:07 pm
Team Tripawds
Administrators
25 September 2009
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Kelly, this definitely isn't the usual turning in. When you visit another vet, please make sure they are certified canine rehab vet, not just a clinic with physical therapy. There is a huge difference between the two. See this post for details. Even if nothing can be done about the bend at least he can get the right kind of rehab that helps alleviate any related pain or issues. And keep us posted OK?
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
8:15 pm
17 January 2011
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I have to agree the wrist part of his leg doesn't look right. Riley's turned in just a tad but then once she got used to being on three legs it straightened out. Hope everything turns out OK.
9:24 pm
20 August 2011
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I'm another one that hasn't seen this with our dog. Spencer seems to be having his front leg go more to the center of his body post amputation; but his ankle is still straight so far (only 2.5 months post amputation though). Good luck with the new vet and let us know how it goes!!
Jac and Angel Spencer. Spencer was 5.25 years old. He fought a grade 3 fibrosarcoma, started on his shoulder. Left front leg amputated in August 2011. 15 weeks of chemo finished 12/22/11 (mytox and adria). Lung mets found on x-rays 12/28/11. Started carboplatin 1/6/12. Went to Heaven on 2/27/12. I miss him like crazy every day. See his blog here: http://spencer.tripawds.com/
http://www.reha.....tion.lasso
This is what I'm looking for? IT was a direct link from yours, Jerry. I have five to pick from. Closest about 40 mins away, not bad. If this is right I'll set an appt for tomorrow if possibile, or at the latest this week.
Kelly
http://unionlak.....rehab.html
This is where I was going to go. This clinic always seemed to have the most up to date treatments and vets with different specialties. Vs mine who is 68 now and I fear would just tell me to put Carter down.
7:17 am
13 June 2011
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Our initial vet was older and wanted to "wait it out" to see if Bo would get better. Our gut told us something was wrong, so we got a second opinion. Good thing we did! We would not nave had the extra time with Bo if we hadn't. Go with your instinct...you know best. Let us know what the new vet says. We're thinking about you and sweet Carter!
10:33 am
8 December 2009
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My dog is a rear leg amputee but no, I'd say you'd want someone to look at and maybe x-ray that wrist? First thing I thought of was rheumatoid arthritis? Or maybe an injury and it's bony swelling? I'm no vet though!! Please keep us updated! Hoping PT work will help...I'm a huge fan of PT work.
Tracy, Maggie's Mom
Maggie was amputated for soft tissue sarcoma 10-20-09
Maggie lost her battle with kidney disease on 8-24-13
11:13 am
Team Tripawds
Administrators
25 September 2009
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cartersmom said:
http://unionlak.....rehab.html
This is where I was going to go. This clinic always seemed to have the most up to date treatments and vets with different specialties. Vs mine who is 68 now and I fear would just tell me to put Carter down.
That looks like a good place! I tried calling to ask some questions for you but got their voice mail. What I was going to ask was what our friends at CARE recommend asking the clinic if they have:
- rehabilitation staff with the “CCRT” or “CCRP” credentials
- an on-site veterinarian also certifed in canine rehabilitation
- several rehabilitation modalities and treatment options available
- custom treatment plans and “homework assignments” for patients
- answers all of your questions promptly
Look for Credentials
In our Tripawd Talk Radio interview with Dr. Jessica Waldman of California Animal Rehabilitation Center in Los Angels, Dr. Waldman emphasized the importance of finding a rehabilitation practice that has both a licensed veterinarian certified in rehabilitation therapy and a credentialed canine rehabilitation practitioner. A certified canine rehabilitation practitioner is without a doubt someone who understands the current gold standards of veterinary rehabilitation therapy.
The rehabilitation center's practitioners should have the initials “CCRT” (Certified Canine Rehabilitation Therapist) or “CCRP” (Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner) after their name. Anyone who has these initials has graduated from one of only two accredited courses in the world recognized for outstanding training and education:
If you choose to see a practitioner who hasn't graduated from these programs, that doesn't necessarily mean they aren't qualified, but there are extra steps you should take to ensure you're dog isn't at risk of further injury and that you're getting your money's worth.
Also...Look for a Clinic with a Variety of Treatment Options. CARE's Dr. Waldman states that another key factor in finding an effective practice is to find one that places a primary emphasis on pain mangement strategies. “Remember that with all rehab, pain management is key, number two is flexibility and then once you've attained those things, then you work on strengthening,” she said in our interview.
The practice should provide a diagnosis on what is causing your Tripawd to be in pain and be able to alleviate pain through different modalities ranging from prescription NSAIDs to accupucture (another reason why its so critical to have a veterinarian on staff, since physical therapists cannot prescribe pain relief drugs or administer accupuncture).
Hope this helps! Let us know how they respond to your questions.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
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